title: Unraveling the biological significance of nitric oxide.
abstract: Independent investigations into the biochemical changes and cytostatic properties induced in immunostimulated macrophages and studies involving the identity and mechanism of action of endothelium-derived relaxing factor led to the finding of a new metabolic pathway which converts L-arginine to nitric oxide and citrulline. The pathway has since been reported in a number of additional cell types including cells in the central nervous system (CNS). In the endothelium and CNS nitric oxide is acting as a signaling agent with the evidence supporting activation of the enzyme guanylate cyclase in the target cell. Nitric oxide is toxic and evidence supports a cytostatic/cytotoxic function as the primary action of macrophage-derived nitric oxide.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1065.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Marletta
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tayeh
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hevel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D006420:Hemeproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000502:physiology; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D006420:Hemeproteins; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D001120:Arginine